2015 Vermont Tree Farmer of the Year Tour to be held this September in South Strafford
The Vermont Woodlands Association (VWA) and Vermont Tree Farm Program have announced the 2015 Vermont Tree Farmer of the Year Tour at David Paganelli’s Clover Hill Tree Farm in So. Strafford, VT on September 12, 2015 from 8am to 3pm. There will be time for refreshments and networking in the morning with a Welcome to Clover Hill Tree Farm by David Paganelli following. Paganelli will discuss VWA, the Tree Farm program, the history of this property, and the day’s program. Two concurrent sessions will be offered in the morning and afternoon. Attend one session in the morning, enjoy lunch together and awards, then attend the other session in the afternoon.
Session 1 will be with Dave Wilcox, State Lands Forester for VT Dept. of Forests, Parks &Rec.; and Paul Harwood, Forester/Owner of Harwood Forestry Services, Inc. Dave will talk about care of wild apple trees. Release, pruning, mowing, liming, grafting and will demonstrate how these things are done. Paul will demonstrate forest stand improvement work and explain how manipulating species composition and improving stem quality affects future timber value. Paul and Dave will talk about the importance of establishing and maintaining a proper road, trail and landing system. Session 2 will be with Toby Alexander, Biologist with Natural Resources Conservation Service; Steve Hagenbuch, Conservation Biologist with Audubon Vermont; and John Buck, Wildlife Biologist for VT Dept. of Fish & Wildlife. John will talk about vertical and horizontal structure and how it impacts habitat for a broad range of wildlife species. Steve will talk about forest structure and how it impacts bird habitat. Toby will talk about the range of NRCS practices that help to enhance wildlife habitat, create and maintain forest openings, reduce soil erosion, treat invasive plants and improve the quality of young forests managed for timber.
Directions: From I-89, Exit 2 in Sharon: North on Route 132 toward South Strafford for 4.7 miles to Blanchard Road on the left. Then, a quarter mile to the Tree Farm sign. From South Strafford village: South at Barrett Memorial Hall toward Sharon on Route 132 for 1.5 miles to Blanchard Road on the right. Then, a quarter mile to the Tree Farm sign. Tour will be held rain or shine so come prepared for the weather.
Please complete and return your registration form, available at www.vermontwoodlands.org or www.vermonttreefarm.org, with your check for $20/person; $10/child 14 and younger (non-refundable) to VWA, PO Box 6004, Rutland, VT 05702-6004 no later than September 7, 2015.
Vermont Woodlands Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose mission is to advocate for the management, sustainability, perpetuation, and enjoyment of forests through the practice of excellent forestry that employs highly integrated management practices that protect and enhance both the tangible and intangible values of forests - including clean air and water, forest products, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, recreation, scenic beauty, and other resources - for this and future generations. Visit www.vermontwoodlands.org to learn more about the organization and other events occurring in your area.
The goals of the Tree Farm Program are disseminating information about the benefits of proper forest management and establishing good forest management practices on as many acres as possible. The American Tree Farm System, first organized in 1941, is the Nation's oldest certifier of privately owned forestland. Tree Farm members share a unique commitment to protecting watersheds and wildlife habitat, conserving soil, and providing recreation; and at the same time producing wood products on a sustainable basis. Visit http://www.vermonttreefarm.org/ to learn more about the program.
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